Grass is always greener with help on hand through webinars

The grass need no longer be greener on the other side of the fence if farmers tune into a series of webinars organised by SAC Consulting.

With 2018 proving a particularly challenging year in terms of grass growth, the college said that the series had been created to help farmers get the most from their pastures.

Beginning on 5 September, the free online series will allow pasture-based farmers to ask questions and interact with SRUC experts through the on- line platform. SAC advisor, Poppy Frater, who will host the webinars said it had been a tough year for grass growers:

“We had a very slow start due to cold weather and then the dry summer has limited production through the year. Grass is complex with its growth limited by numerous factors. Day length, water, nitrogen, soil temperature and leaf surface area are the dominant limitations.”

The events will run from 7pm-8pm, and will cover a range of topics.

On Wednesday 5 September Dr David Lawson will focus on the principles of grass growth and, using the SRUC variety trial work will highlight the possible benefits of introducing new varieties.

Wednesday 26 September will look at getting the right balance between farm productivity and the needs of the environment with Dr John Holland talking about how stocking rate influences grass yield and how no till compares with the full plough method for reseeding. And Wednesday 17 October will see Dr Bill Crooks discuss soil health and organic matter and explain how some organic by-products might work in practise.